DL3416 JFK-ABQ 17 July 2006 [n]

Turned up at check in and collected boarding cards. Both were marked up 'seat allocated at check in' (Why?) and 'Flight coupon required' (Again why?). But worst of all my pass had 'SSSS' in the corner. As it happens, apart from the body seach involving certain feeling that I found far too personal (If they wanted to check what I was packing in my boxers, I think it would have been a common courtesy to have asked before groping me), there was not really too much to complain about. However the fun started when we got to the gate. It appears the 'flight coupon required' meant they thought my ticket had not been paid for (which it had). Had a happy half hour with an agent who wore far too much lipstick and could only say 'comuter says no'. Eventually I just paid again to get on the plane.

Space in the seat was abysmal. We sat at the gate for just over 2 hours waiting for non-existant staff to load the luggage. It was then announced that we were on our way to Atlanta. Hang on, we were booked to go to Albuquerque! Checked with one of the cabin crew who told us not to worry, it was just a brief stop to drop of some people and fuel up. Once we were up, we were given a large glass of ice lightly sprinkled with orange juice and a bag of 11 peanuts - yes I counted them!

Arrived at Atlanta, where it was announced that we would have to get off while they re-fueled. So we did. However once in the terminal, it materialised they were preparing to board the plane for Washington.[:?][?]. A few enquiries revealed they had canceled the ABQ flight and we would need to go to the other terminal to catch a later plane - 3 hours later!

Got to the new check in, and being cautious types decided to check we were booked. Nope, we weren't. But they had seats (phew!). Only my booking was still loused up, so after much debate, I had to pay yet again! Sat around and did a few emails on Delta's intermittant wireless service.

Eventually boarded (we were sitting in 2 different parts of the plane). I got Mr Huge on one side of me and nose picking child on the other - joy. Flight pushed back 20 minutes late (I don't know why) and off we went. Same routine with the nuts and orange juice, which for a 3 1/2 hour flight is, IMO, taking the micky. With half of my seat taken up by the passenger to my right, I decided to claim the arm rest on the left and a good portion of the child's seat - he was too small to fight back! The person in front reclined, which was unfortunate as the recline on my seat was broken. So, not being able to sleep, I decided to read. At which point I found the reading light was broken. Then we had to fly near some thunder storms, and it got really bumppy[:$]. So I sat there, in the dark, with my mini-juice and peanut, feeling ill.

I am now sat in my hotel, contemplaiting what is perhaps the worst flight I have ever had. As you may have gathered I am not a happy bunny. And I still have to write to Delta to complain about having to pay 3 times for the same ticket to enjoy their abysmal service and awful flights. Hell will freeze over before I ever set foot on Delta again.[n]